CLOSED self and OPEN self

OPEN self and CLOSED self

While cleaning out my paper files recently, I came across this writing copied years ago; there was no source cited. I consider it to be “wisdom” because one can apply its principles to a multitude of situations. To illustrate, try reading the discussion as a person pondering whether or not to learn to sign with Deaf individuals. (I have modified the text slightly by removing two references to God.) Here is the article:

Most people are naturally conservative. We are more frightened by the new than we are attracted by it. Certainly a degree of caution and deliberation is in order, but to defend the past as the supreme example of what you can accomplish is to show lack of trust in your abilities. We must avoid being CLOSED.

A CLOSED self:
1) Avoids looking within…self-examination.
2) Explains everything in terms of “out there.”
3) Limits itself in exploration.
4) Avoids the new and different.
5) Prefers the familiar and the usual.
6) Plays it safe all the time.

If we are to grow as individuals, we must be OPEN persons.

An OPEN self:
1) Examines “why” it does the thing it does.
2) Includes ITSELF in explaining what happens “out there” in the
world.
3) Seeks to explore the unknown.
4) Searches out new and different experiences and considers their
merit.
5) Takes a risk for the sake of growth.
6) Concerns itself with differing kinds of information.
~end~

If we are to grow as individuals and avoid stagnation, we must be OPEN persons. Only then can we experience the joy of acquiring new skills, information, and understanding.